at ease

phrase

Synonyms of at easenext
1
: free from pain or discomfort
2
a
: free from restraint or formality
feels most at ease with old friends
b
: standing silently (as in a military formation) with the feet apart, the right foot in place, and one or both hands behind the body
—often used as a command

Examples of at ease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While exploring the neighborhood, his dog, Betty, took off and sprinted through the open door of an empty house, sniffing around yet completely at ease. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026 The actor discusses Tom Cruise, the Coen brothers, and his lifelong quest to feel at ease in his own skin. — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 Public bathrooms Tourists and locals alike can be more at ease when exploring NYC, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani implements a new program rolling out free modular public bathrooms in high-traffic areas across the city. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 But as fears about distillation intertwine with fears about Chinese AI capabilities more broadly, busting stills one at a time may not be enough to put the American AI industry at ease. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at ease

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of at ease was in the 14th century

Rhymes for at ease

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Browse Nearby Words

at each other's throats
at ease
Atebrin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At ease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20ease. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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